That is terrible. Why dump a cat you've had for 18years???

 

My whole soul cries for that poor cat. He shouldn't have to be worrying and stressing at this point in his life. My heart bleeds for him!

 

These people must have some pressing, cat-free required issues. At least they'd better!

 

I just don't understand how you can do that. 18yrs I've also noticed lately a lot of ads saying something like "if someone doesn't take this Dog/cat I'll have to take to the shelter" or "save this dog/cat from the shelter"

umm It's nobodies fault than your own if your dog/cat is killed at the shelter because you didn't find them a good home or plan for emergencies.

 

If I were anywhere near Phoenix, I'd take that poor cat in so fast...!

Of course he has separation anxiety. He's blind and deaf and just wants his people around!

Cats get a bad hand, though. There are so many and they're viewed as even more disposable than dogs. My parents have farm cats (all s/n, all fully vetted) and I'll help out and take them into the vet if they are sick or injured or need shots or whatever. Every time the techs have a new story about a cat that has been brought in unwanted, or brought for vet care and the family decides the cat isn't worth the cost, so it is just left there. How can people be so heartless?

 

I know it's easy to jump to emotional conclusions, but we simply know nothing about the owners and their circumstances. They may be forced to travel due to a job they have to keep or a sick relative they need to visit, and simply cannot prioritize the cat over that.

It sounds harsh, because it is. Life is harsh, and sometimes we need to make hard decisions. No need to judge those folks without knowing.

 

I would be inclined to agree if the poster hadn't made a casual ad without any sort of heart-felt explanation, or even details of what they would like in a new owner for their cat. I have way too much experience in Craigslist ads to not assume what is going on here. Trust me, it's not hard to come to a conclusion with an ad like this one in particular. A responsible, caring cat owner wouldn't have made this ad to begin with, let alone an ad mentioning that the cat had been declawed, without a disclaimer that it was done prior to adopting the cat, etc. Trust me, this more than likely isn't a special circumstance, aside from not wanting to deal with behavioral issues while traveling.

 

The fact that the poor thing has been declawed is even more appalling, and it probably has something to do with the cat's behavioral issues. It is incredibly common for declawed cats to develop behavioral issues along with health issues after that horrible surgery. Why wouldn't they just take the cat with them when they travel?!? The poor thing is beyond geriatric and probably can't even handle the stress of a new home. It would be more humane to euthanize the poor thing at this point. All because they want to travel without what, dealing with cat with separation anxiety? Really?

I'm tempted to email them, but this is why I can't go on Craigslist anymore lol. Even if the ad is not from my city, it's so incredibly frustrating.

 

A responsible, caring cat owner wouldn't have made this ad to begin with,

I don't think that's a fair statement. Once again, nothing is known about the circumstance and I've been way wrong before trying to derive emotion from written text. It conveys incorrectly very often.

 

I understand where you're coming from, and I'm usually inclined to agree. It's just that IMO, rehoming an 18 year old cat for anything less than the fact that you're dying or your house just burned down makes you irresponsible and uncaring. And I won't even get started on what declawing your cat makes you in my book.

 

Poor kitty. I hope it all works out. This is why I stay off craigslist.

 

In all fairness, 18 years ago, declawing a cat wasn't considered cruel, it was considered normal.

This is why I really hate when people bring up craigslist. It turns into a post about what a horrible person someone they haven't met, seen, or talked to yet is. It's really easy to get behind a keyboard and stand on a soap box, but keep in mind that these people are real and have real lives with real situations. Before you post it, ask if you would really say these judgments to someone's face. Ask if you would like them said to you.

I hope this kitty finds peace and love.

 

I genuinely get where you're coming from, and not making assumptions is of course a great point. I don't like to assume too much too quickly, or judge every single person rehoming an animal on Craigslist. But, in this case, I would have no issue making my statements to this particular owner's face. I have no tolerance anymore I guess.

And you're right, there wasn't nearly as much education on declawing 18 years ago as there is now, so that should be taken into consideration. I'm only guessing that they had it done themselves, but of course I don't know for sure, and I don't know when it was done. They could've just been woefully misinformed, and not known what they were subjecting their cat to. It's the vet that I'd like to get ahold of.

Again, it's this particular situation that I'm admittedly judgmental about, not necessarily every single person on Craigslist. The large majority of posts in the pets section (and well, everywhere on that site) are incredibly irresponsible and/or ignorant. I'm just fed up with hearing the tragic stories of the horrors of CL, and fed up with selfish people that make decisions solely based on what is good or not good for themselves or their lifestyle. It's one of the many reasons I do not visit that site anymore, unless I'm trying to buy or sell something.

 

Oh how about this one. 14 year old minature poodle. It's got horrible cataracts in both eyes and very blind. It's owner died and the family won't keep it.

Apricot Poodle 7# Free to Right Home

 

I think it's especially sad when the animal is at such an age where it is obvious they don't have much longer, yet their family that has had them for years (or anyone else) won't inconvenience themselves at all for a short time to give the animal the best of what time they have left.

Yes, the cat in question may be a little difficult, but maybe it would be better to pay a pet sitter or family friend when they do travel. The cat is 18 - this would be a matter of months, maybe a year or two. For a "beloved family pet" I would certainly work it out.

 

For the Poodle - it's understandable that the grandson cannot keep the dog due to work, but the "we" in the Craigslist title states there are others who are in this family as well. I mean, this is the kind of dog that needs a comfy couch and a couple bathroom trips outside per day - is that really too much for someone to handle for a little while?

And what do they think their family member would think of them, unloading their beloved dog onto a stranger?

Hopefully they find good homes.

 

I find comfort in the fact that in the next life the owners may come back as worms.